UNDP Careers: Human Rights Officer

UNDP Careers

Job Title: HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER, P3
Department/ Office: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Duty Station: PRETORIA
Job Opening number: 13-HRI-OHCHR-28225-R-PRETORIA (X)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
This position is located in the OHCHR Regional Office for Southern Africa in Pretoria. The incumbent will report to the Chief of Office.

Responsibilities
This post is to be found in the OHCHR Regional Office for Southern Africa in Pretoria. Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Office, the Officer’s main tasks and responsibilities will be to: ensure the liaison, coordination and follow-up of all human rights activities of the Regional Office for Southern Africa with the concerned Governments, national institutions, regional organizations, NGOs, UN agencies and programmes in respect of various project activities in the sub-region; organize sub-regional training and information activities for United Nations staff and for Government officials, law enforcement officials, military, lawyers and judges, members of parliament, educators, media and NGOs; develop joint human rights initiatives with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), UNDP, UNESCO and other UN programmes and agencies, and coordinate OHCHR technical cooperation activities with them and other multi-and bi-lateral actors, including donor Governments and NGOs; participate as a resource person in human rights seminars, workshops and other for a organized in the sub-region; provide backstopping support for the formulation, monitoring and evaluation of national technical cooperation projects in the sub-region, including budgetary and administrative aspects of project management; provide information on UN human rights standards and their domestic application
to the Governments in the sub-region and other various partners in technical cooperation; represent, as appropriate, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in various meetings, consultations, negotiations with the Governments in the sub-region and SADC; assist the Head of Office in reporting on the activities of the Office; assist the Head of Office in other assignments as required; undertake travels in the sub-region as required.

Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM:
Good knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, to include approaches and techniques to address sensitive problems. Good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights.Ability to identify problems, i.e., political, ethnic, racial, gender, social, economic, etc., causing civil unrest in a country or geographic area; Good analytical and research skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in assigned region/country.Taking responsibility for incorporating gender, perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION : Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

PLANNING AND ORGANISING : Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS : Keeps abreast of available technology ; Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office ; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks ; Shows willingness to learn new technology.

TEAMWORK : Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education
Advanced university degree, preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights. A first level university in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible work experience at national and international levels in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Work experience in the region of Southern Africa and/or experience working with human rights issues in a fragile, conflict-prone or post-conflict society is desirable.

Languages
Fluency in English is required, knowledge of French or Portuguese would be an asset.

Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an eliminatory assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview

Special Notice
Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

How to Apply:
Click here to apply online
Deadline: 29/07/2013